Blackhawks' Leddy trying to stay focused as trade talk swirls

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Nick Leddy remains a possible trade candidate as the club attempts to get below the salary cap prior to the start of the regular season. The numbers add up, as the Blackhawks sit $2.2 million over the cap, while Leddy - an unrestricted free agent at season's end - carries a cap hit of $2.7 million.

For now, Leddy remains at Blackhawks' training camp, and is trying to concentrate on improving his game.

“It’s something you can’t focus on. It’s out of my control,” he told CSN Chicago. “What I need to focus on is getting better every day and just focus on the team.”

Further to that, he keyed in on specific areas that he's working on:

In the D zone, I could always get better in there. You watch a guy like (Duncan Keith) who’s always getting to guys quick, stick on puck every time, that’s definitely something I need to work on ... And having a shooter’s mentality. You look at (Brent Seabrook) and Duncs and those guys who shoot the puck a lot. Stuff happens off shots. I think every chance you get, don’t try to always pass; look for another option. If you get a chance, shoot the puck.

Leddy registered a career high seven goals and 123 shots on goal while averaging 16:22 of ice time last season.

Whether he'll be able to show off his developing repertoire as a member of the Blackhawks this season and beyond is yet to be determined, but his desire to hone his skills bodes well for his next contract.